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Enteri'd accordini: to Act of Congres?, in the year 1875, by 

JAMES LAWSOX, 
in the Offlce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



DRAMATIS PERSON.E. 



Duke op Florexce, 

COLOXNA, 

Giordano, 
conradine 
Maniri, . 
Cavilido, 
Neri, . . 
Cosmo, . 
A Jailer, 

Imelda, . 
Bella, . 



His Son. 

Betrothed to Imelda. 

Senators. 

Captain of the Guard. 

Chief of the Outlaw Conspirators. 



Daughter of the Duke. 
Jler attendant. 



Senators, Officers, Soldiers, Citizens, Conspirators, Ushers, etc. 



Scene: Florence. 



GIORDAXO. 
ACT I. 

Scene I. — An audience chamber in the Palace. 
Enter Duke, Coloxxa, Maniri, and Attendants. 

A n Usher enters ojjposite. 
Usli. A courier from the camp, this moment come 

With breathless speed, awaits your royal leisure. 
Duke. Admit him instantly. [^Exit Usher. 

He brings glad tidings 

In his late letters, Giordano told 

That, with assured advantage of position, 

He was on eve of battle. Sir, your news ? 
\^Re-enter Usher, luith an officer. 
Offi. Our foes are conquered. Sire ; and I am charged 

With these despatches to your royal hands. 
Colon. Victoria ! friends, rejoice — let all rejoice. 
Duke. We shall anon reward thee. 
Man. Sir, a word : 

How stood young Oonradine the shock of arms ? 
Offi. Bravely ; and, in the fiercest of the fight, 

He turned a doubtful strife to victory. 



108 GIORDAXO. [act I. 

Colon. Without a wound ? 

Offi. Yes, sir. 

Man. It is a joy 

To knoAv liini safe and hear his deeds extolled. 

Dulce. This adds neAV lustre to our country's annals. 
The insolent foe is tamed, and Pisa sues 
Submissive to our will. The war is ended. 
Here, Giordano gracefully awards 
To every hero of the glorious day 
Unmeasured praise, none sparing for himself: 
Above the rest young Conradine is named 
For deeds heroic. Go, convene the Senate ; 

[To an officer. 
We must consult on this, for more than thanks 
We owe the living ; more than tears, the dead. 

[Exeunt. 



Scene ll.— TJic Guard Room. Enter Neri and Bella. 

N'eri. Persist no more : why do you follow me ? 

Bella. Think you a woman cannot keep a secret ? 

N'eri. Men say she cannot. 

Bella. What say you ? 

Keri. Nothing. 

Bella. Why, that is brief. I will not be denied: 

Wherefore this mortal and long smothered hate ? 
N'eri. Some silly gossip stirred you on to ask. 



SCENE II. J GIORDAXO. 109 

Bella. I am not trusted, for I am not loved. , [ WeejJs. 

Xeri. Why wife, I did not tliink you were so fond. 
Have I not trusted you, and sought your aid ? 
You should be satisfied. 

Bella. Still I am not. 

Xeri. Well, well ! This cause he deems his own, is mine, 
("Which he consented to, by slow degrees 
And timid doubts,) to^eed my fell revenge — 
Revenge for injuries that fire my blood 
Like ^tna throbbing to burst out in flame — 
There, you have heard it all. 

Bella. What are those wrongs ? 

Xeri. I never shall have peace. Some seven years gone, 
I slew a base plebeian — I did right — 
He proved a follower of the proud Orsini ; 
On whose complaint I was shiit up in prison, 
Chained to the floor : to aggravate my pains, 
The food they doled me was the felon's portion : 
I shudder to recall the pangs I suffered. 

Bella. Look not so terrible. 

Xeri. The thought is madness ! 

Torments and tortures the Orsini race [them. 

Have since endured — they never knew who smote 
Gaze not in wonder thus. 

Bella. Why hate the Duke ? 

Xeri. You should imagine : why are you so dull ? 
He promised speedy pardon, and forgot it. 
Which I did not; and never Avill forgive. 



110 GIOKDANO, [act I. 

The Orsini's influence over- weighing mine. 
With new offences charged — denied the right 
To plead in my defence— I was condemned 
To longer duress and to hea\der chains. 
That hour I registered a solemn vow ; 
And never shall content appease my wrath. 
Till ample, exquisite revenge is mine. 
It is at hand : but question me no more. 

Bella. Xow Captain of the Guard — a place of honor — 
Forget this passion. 

Neri. iS'ever, while I live.. 

They thought my place atoned for their injustice ; 
It gave me power to execute my plans. 
Xow prove the love which you profess, and swear 
Xever to utter this to mortal ear. 

Bella. I swear. 

Neri. Go, then ; and trouble me no more. 

Bella. But be not rash ; endanger not your life. 

^Exit. 

Neri. She sways us friends, and some, in hope of fiivors, 
Grow ardent in the cause. I am not jealous, 
For less I love her than I hate my foes. 
The victor, Giordano, will return 
With greener laurels, to inspire our friends 
To strike a swifter and a surer blow. 
And rend the bonds which chafe a fettered people. 
Ah ! easier to say the deed is done 
Than offer vain excuses why we failed. 



SCENE II.] GIORDANO, 111 

AVe Avill not fail. Metliinks the pliantom bell 
Sounds in my ear, as from Cathedral tower, 
And tolls success — in every tone, success. 
But glory, not revenge, impels my hero — 
A passion stronger than, without my aid. 
His valor feeds — unless by honest means — 
And honesty in Florence, like a beggar. 
At every turn gets fewer alms than buffets. 
I know his faults and virtues, and I know 
He needs a spur to prick his courage up 
To the proud height that overlooks success. 

{Enter Giordano. 
Wild is my joy to grasp thy honest hand ! 
The city is alive, and every tongue 
Applauds thy bravery ; every heart exults 
For the great victory. 

Giord. I am glad to hear it. 

Neri. Is Conradine despatched ? 

Giord. Thank heaven, he is. 

A moment since I met the rash Colonna, 

And, in one breath, revealed to him the murder, 

And our invented tale against Maniri. 

He flashed like fire, less moved with grief than rage, 

Away he hurried, furious to demand 

The old man's head. 

Neri. Wliich goodness grant he gets I 

Giord. A duteous message I have sent the Duke, 
And one remembrance to his weeping daughter. 



11.2 GIOKDAXO. [act L 

When saw you Cosmo aud his brave compeers ? 

Xeri. To-day, aud lavished on them heaps of gold, 
To furnish their necessities and ours. 

Giord. They listened to your argument ? 

Xeri. They did. 

Giord. Art sure of them ? 

Xeri. Were I as sure of heaven I 

Giord. And hidden in their cave that precious scroll, 
Which in appropriate time I may discover, 
To work upon their superstitious fears, 
And bind them firmer to us ? 

Xeri. It is done. 

Giord. Your guard and city friends ? 

Xeri. Devoted, true. [is penned ; 

Giord. In this {showing a packet) the treason cunningly 
It will a score or two we doubt or dread 
Consign to death : thus, while we rid ourselves 
Of dangerous foes, on us the State will heap 
Unmeasured honor and eternal blessing. 

Xeri. And, when these fancied traitors are convicted, 
When, by their death, our tyrants sleep secure, 
Spotted' with crime — like patriots, then, we rise 
And slay them while they sleep. 

Giord. We must be wise. 

Xeri. And bold, as well as wise. 

Giord. But let us part ; 

It might awake suspicion, were we seen 
Conversing thus together. 



SCENE II.] GIORDAXO. 113 

Neri. Idle fear ! 

Gioril. What rashness loses, caution often wins : 
I must forthwith pay reverence to the Duke, 
Else he may censure me for disrespect. 
And now farewell ; we soon shall meet again. 

[Exit Ner[. 

Giord. Yes, I remember that an eaglet once 
Forsook his lofty eyrie 'mong the crags. 
And flew in rapid circles round my head, 
Fanning my temples with his wide-spread wings. 
Scarce taller than my weapon, I aspired 
To great thoughts undefined; and wrinkled hags, 
Hearing the miracle of the bird of Jove, 
Predicted sovereign power in coming days. 
Methinks like Delphic oracle they spoke ! 
Now sleeps young Conradine, to wake no more — 
A dangerous viper in my path of love — 
But he is crushed. To-night Maniri dies; 
Long have I feared his scrutinizing eye. 
Thou glorious sun ! pour down thy golden beams, 
Shine on ! and nurse the laurels planted here. 
And make the wreath of everliving green, 
To overshadow all the dotard's deeds : 
And, in the self-same shade, scarf darkly up 
The son's pretensions to succeed the sire. 
Kow to the palace — there loyal hearts rejoice 
For public weal — some, private grief bewail. 
I have a face for each, and words in tune. [Exit. 
8 



114 GIORDANO. [act 



Scene III.— T/ic Palace. Enter Duke and Colonxa. 

Duke. A day so liappv ami so hajiless too ; 

So fmught with wide extremes, is not recorded. 

The foe is humbled ; peace with pride secured ; 

The plot unmasked — but Conradine is dead, 

And deeply we deplore his hapless end. 
Colon. Let not Maniri live — let him not see 

To-morrow's dawn : your warrant for his head. 
Duke. lie false— it is impossible ! If true, 

The law shall pass just sentence on his crime. 
rjolon. Look at the sun ! his face is all a-tire. 

And scowls revenge : the gentle moon herself, 

Were he alive when from the east she comes, 

Will ])lush we strike not; and the winds will shriek 

In every blast, revenge. 
Duke. You are too rash : 

Give me at once the truth. 
Colon. Give me his head. 

Mosr oi)portunely, Giordano comes 

To lay before your Grace the dark account. 
[Enter Giordaxo. 
Duke. Welcome, my friend, thou art in sooth come well ; 

Thus, noble victor, live in my embrace. 

Thanks, double thanks, and blessings on thy head. 

What is this treason ? Let us know the worst. 
Giord. The love and loyalty I owe, must sjK'ak; 



SCENE III.] GIORDAXO. 115 

"Would I had nitlier died than live to speak it I 
My frient!, thy trusted servant, sage Maniri, 
Conspires to seize the diadem, which thou. 
More like a father, than a monarch, wear'st. 
.With him are leagued a band of desperate men, 
Some high in office near thy sacred person. 
Here, in this paper, see the leaders' names, 
With full details of their unhallowed plans. 

Duke. hoary villain ! This outruns belief. 

Giord. The place less gracious still ; 'tis as we pay 
The funeral rites to our departed friend ; 
When, at his signal, myrmidons will rush 
To general slaughter in the sacred aisles — 
And thus would he add sacrilege to murder. 

Duhe. Can it be true ! 

Colon. True ! do you doubt the truth ? 

Duke. Ill-chosen time, indeed. 

Giord. Presumptive proof, 

That he foreknew this most atrocious murder ; 
How else could he have fixed on such a time ? 

Duke. I did not think there was such guilb on earth. 

Colon. Let me have warrant for his instant death. 

Duke. Few years are left to me, and few to him ; 
We both have almost run the allotted span : 
But while man lives a goal is still beyond 
For which he strives; yet, hoary heads should keep 
Companionship with virtue and repose, 
Not plunge into the stormy sea of crime — 



116 GIOUDANO. [act I. 

I moralize: tiiought springs, like light, tVoni can^e ; 
But such a cause ! Parth^n, my miiul will waiuler. 

Giord. To know his treason is to be secure. 

Duke. I saw a serpent in my dream last night 

With double head and sharp envenomed fangs; 
Its horrid eyes glared with a witiu-ring charm, 
And stung me to the heart. I am an old man, 
My blood is cold ; imagination, tame, 
And seldom do I conjure fancies up ; 
But in events, with thoughtful eye, I read 
The sequents that, in order should arise. 
Yet in this dream, despite all former rule, 
I think a guardian angel hovered nigh, 
To wake my soul against some threatened ill. 
This is my dream unriddled. Ho ! who waits ? 

[Enter an Usher. 
Bid Neri instantly attend our pleasure. 

[^Exit Usher. 

Giord. Deem not I overstep a subject's duty, 

But thou, my liege, beyond the present danger. 
Art strongly moved — my friend Colonna, too. 
Stop thou the treason at the fountain head. 
And the polluted channels soon run dry. 

Colon. Let not Maniri live. 

[Enter Neri. 

Duke. Hear st thou of treason ? 

Xeri. I have, ray liege — with indignation heard : 
I live in thy defence. 



SCEXE III.] GIORDANO. 117 

Duke. Arrest Maniri. 

Despatch ; noise not abroad we stand in danger. 

Secure all persons in this paper named ; 

Place sentinels around — patrol the city : 

Arrest all whisperers and doubtful men. 
Keri. What man can do, I have the will to do. 

{^Exeunt Colonna and Neri. 
Dvke. Swift punishment for traitors; pardon, never. 
Giord. My gracious liege, be merciful, but just. 
Duke. What shall we think of these untoward events, 

Or how reward thy vigilance ? Thanks, thanks ! 
Giord. How does the fair Imelda bear her loss? 
Duke. In floods of tears. 
Giord. Alas ! for her sweet sake, 

It is a tale too terrible to tell. 
Duke. A gentle word at the appropriate time 

Falls gratefully on the heart, and brings a balm 

More precious than fine gold. Go, speak with her, 

If she will listen: tell the dismal story. 

The sooner we have realized a grief. 

The sooner cured. 
Giord. It is a pleasing duty — 

For I, perchance, may varnish this sad picture, 

And tone its crimson to a softer shade. 
Duke. Did'st speak ? 

What have I done to bring this misery down ! 
Bankrupt in thought, we lack due courtesy — 
Good night. [^Exit Duke. 



lis GIOBDAXO. [act 1. 

Giord. Good night — and drearales3 be your slet'i) — 
That Is a generous wish. Now to ImeUla. 
If she, with grief o'erwliolmed, i)crmits my visit, 
Her heart as soft aa wax, I may insi)ire 
A sympathetic feeling, wliich in time 
"Will rii)en to my \\o\)c. With cunning art 
I must advance ; my aim, to win, not wound ; 
And, if opjx)sed, retreat. Her angel smile 
Hath bound my soul to her with links of steel. 
Maniri lives! Dungeons, they sjiy, have tongues: 
How root them out ? To find the jailer apt — 
Gold is an advocate of gi-eat renown, 
And its jwrsuasive pleiuling seldom fails. [Exit. 

ScEXE IV. — TJie Palace. — Imelda's apartment 

Imelda wiWy paciny the floor : Bella attending. 

Imeld. Talk not to me I The world hath turned to 
frenzy. 

And men sjx^ik false, yet, like the insane, believe. 
Bella. Restrain those sobs, ela^ their convulsive force 

"Will break thy heart. 
Imeld. It was but yesterday 

I saw liim smile ; in dignity, a god 

Dwelling with men! It leaps the bounds of truth! 

A thought too huge for this distn\cted brain ! 

It is not true — imagination all — 

Or I the very Avretchedest alive. 



SCENE IV.] GIORDANO. 119 

Bella. Do not despair : the darkest clouds dissolve. 
Imeld. My father and my brother, what say they ? 
Bella. Were tliey in doubt they would be full of hope. 

An hour ago an embassy set out 

In saddest pomp, to bring his dear remains 

For burial here, in the ancestral vault. 
Imeld. strength to bear — heart, keep thy throne; 
break not 

Till I look on him, then to atoms fly I 

Fought all day long and never felt a wound ; 

Presei-ved, alas, to fall by murderous hands ! 

And never spoke nor sent one sigh to me ! 
Bella. Look, this the sympathizing General sends ; 

It is a sash — and woven by your hand — 

Thy parting gift. 
Imeld. It is : heaven pity me ! 

Why was it wrought of fragile silken thread ? 

It should have been of adamantine steel. 
Bella. Give honor to the dead, and tribute tears. 

But waste not youth in unavailing sighs : 

The living claim their rights. 
Imeld. A thousand thousand 

Might pine and die, had Conradine been spared, 

And I had never missed them nor have Avept; 

All's lost in losing him, and this wide Avorld 

Hath not a comer Avhere my heart can rest, 

Or find one gleam of joy. 
Bella. Time soothes our sorrow — 



120 GIORDANO. [act I. 

And surely it is well, else would the weiglit 

Of gathering griefs down-crush us in the dust. 
Iinchl. Go, talk to them who measure grief by time ; 

My life is doomed to limitless despair. 
Bella. May coming days with healing on their wing, 

Bring smiles again ! 
Imihh I know thou kindly speak'st, 

But out of tune ; and, discords jar. Leave me. 
[Enter Giordano. 
Bella. {Ai<ide to him) She is distract with grief. 
(r'ionl. Leave us — away ! 

[B.vif Bella. 

Imehh \\\ sad memorial of his clay cold heart, 

I clasp tliee round mine own : would it were cold ! 
With him I could have lived a cottage maid. 
And he a swain, nor sighed for grandeur more — 
But when his eyelids closed the sun grew dim, 
And this fair earth turned to a wilderness. 

Gionl. {Aside) Even I must pity her. A violent grief, 
Of its own force, soon wears itself away 
To i)ress my suit were profitless and rash ; 
Yet being here, a sorrow I will feign 
In earnest sympathy with hers — Lnelda! 

Jmeld. L'nbidden guests come at unwelcome times. 

Gionl. I come at an unwelcome time, 'tis true ; 
But come, commanded by thy royal father, 
(With every feeling in accord with thine,) 
To soothe, if sympathy avail, thy sorrow ; 



SCENE IV.] GIORDANO. 121 

And toll the story that afflicts the realm — 

Thy hero's fall. 
ImeJd. Speak, dead I It is not true. 
Giorcl. After the battle, with brave deeds outworn, 

He sought his tent, and while he slept, was slain. 

At first we deemed his servant the assassin ; 

But, when his valuables were found untouched. 

Graver suspicions rose. 
Imeld. None saw him die ? 
Giorcl. Save his destroyer, none. 
Imeld. Forever lost ! 

The saints may weep and wail : I am alone I 
Giord. And who shall comfort thee ? 
Imeld. Comfort, alas ! 
Giord. A beatific smile dwelt on his face, 

A proof his spirit gently passed away — 

Perhaps he never Avoke. There, drenched in gore, 

As in the red Arabian sea,^ he lay 

A wreck majestic. most piteous sight, 

And all around him wept ! 
Imeld. Oh, hapless me ! 
Giord. But we should be resigned. 
Imeld. Yes, in the grave. 
Giord. gentle lady, moderate thy grief. 

Else will this anguish cloud thy coming days, 

And cast o'er all the land a dismal gloom. 
Imeld. I can but weep, yet scarcely comprehend 



122 GIORDAXO. [a«T I. 

For whtit I weep; nor do I know the power 

Can stop this fiood. 
Giord. How vtilueless are tears I 

Can they assuage the anguish of the mind, • 

Or bring departed worth to us again ? 

Tears are transparent, as it were, to show 

Their unavailingness. 
ImeUl What didst thou say? 
Giord. But when a man so eminently good, 

Is suddenly struck down, our better sense 

Will yield to sadness. True, he is no more ; 

But his inhuman murderer could not kill 

His fame and worth — immortal as his soul I 
Imehl. Thou speak'st as if thy heart, like mine, were 

breaking. 
Giord. He was my friend: where shall I find his like? 
Imehl. Heaven never gave his equal to the world. 
Giord. Yet heaven, in envy, .took him from the world. 
Imeld. And left me only memory and tears. 
Giord. Do not despair: there is reserved for thee. 

Unnumbered blessings in another's love. 
Imehl. I do not understand : Oh sorely stricken ! 

How understand! it may be kindly meant. 
Giord. Amid the rising troubles in the state. 

Let all thy Siiddest thoughts recline on me ; 

And with a passion as intense and pure 

As his, whose loss we mourn, 'twill be a joy 

To shield thv loveliness from everv harm. 



SCENE IV,] GIORDANO. 123 

Imeld. If I could think! 

GJord. It would be kindly, then : 

What maid so cruel to call love a crime? 
Imeld. Oh at a time like this ! at any time, 

To obtrude upon a bruised and broken heart 

Which, in the dust, lies bleeding ! [ Going. 

Giord. Prithee, stay ! 

Turn not my words to an undreamed-of use. 

The blessed saints above, whom thou resemblest, 

Applaud the distant and unselfish thought 

That rises to my lips. 
Imeld. Leave me with misery. 
Giord. If I am deemed unwelcome, bid me hence, 

But not misapprehended : I should be 

Wretched indeed, to forfeit thy esteem. 
Imeld. My thoughts are wandering in the vale of death, 

The living have not power to bring them back. 
Giord. Imelda ! Gone ! {E.vit Imelda. 

[Re-enter Bella. 
Bella. My lord. 
Giord. Peace, woman, peace ! 

Fool-like I stand, in resolution weak. 

Scorched by the eye that wildly fires my heart. 

When next I sue, it shall be witli command. [Exit. 
Bella. A raging storm! It proves disastrous wreck. 
[Re-enter Imelda. 

What is amiss ! 
Imeld. Go — I would be alone. [Exit Bella. 



12-1 t.lOKDAXO. [act I. 

Oh farewell, hope I and happiness, farewell I 
Within a cloister will I close my days, 
Whose gloom so well accords with my despair , 
For now the fairest flower that ever bloomed, 
In the rich garden of a maiden's love. 
Is touched with frost untimely — withered quite. 
[lie-enter Bella. 

Bella. A stranger waits, and with impatient voice 
Requests an audience. 

Imeld. Bella, look on me— 

Am I in proper mood to meet a stranger ? 

Bella. He spoke as if accustomed to command. 

Imeld. You recognized him not? 

Bella. No ; yet there seemed 

Something not unfamiliar in his air. 

IineJd. Told he his name, whence, or for what he comes ? 
Why asks admission at so sad an hour? 

Bella. A message for your ear alone, he said, 
From him we never more shall see on earth. 

Iinehl. I must not go to him, nor bid him here — 

Yet, for the world, I would not miss his message. 

Heard he the last request ? Perhaps he bears 

The latest sigh from my dear lover slain : 

But why this mystery? To you, Bella, 

My faithful servant, I commit my grief — 

Guide me, direct me ; this afflicted heart 

Is an adviser too unsafe to trust : 

But let me see and hear him, or I die. 

Oh, Bella, you may sway me like a reed. [Exrunf. 



GIORDANO. 125 

ACT 11. 

Scene I. — The Senate Chamber. 

Duke, Giordaxo, Colonna, Cavilido and Sexators. 
Officers attending. Makiri in chains. 

DuTce. Conduct the traitor hence. Nay, ncA'er sj)eak. 

[^ tell sounds. 
Those dismal sounds announce the rest are dead : 
Thy gray hairs, only, saved thee from the wheel. 

\Exit Maniri, guarded. 
Soon, for the safety of ourself and state, 
The anthem shall ascend. To thee we owe 
More than our love or largess can repay. 

Giord. That I have been an instrument to save 
My gracious sovereign from conspirer's steel, 
Is in-oof my life hath not been all mis-spent. 

Duke. We barely have escaped the worst of ills ! 

Cavil Better to bear oppression for a time, 
Yea, tyranny itself (and seek redress 
Through the loud voice of human right and law, 
Which must at last prevail), than lift the sword. 
When once a people arm against themselves, 
What foreign complications may intrude, 
And what domestic innovations rise, 
The rash foresee not, nor the wise avoid. 



120 (;ioRnAXO. [act ii. 

We tuni pi-oducers into beasts of prey, 

The innocent ore to instruments of death. 

The liand dyed reddest in a brother's blood 

Becomes a hero's. Wliat is gained at hist ? 

Perhaps a cliange of nwsters. The reward ? 

Down-trodden pastures, wasted woods and fields, 

With smoking villages and desolate hearths, [spared ; 
Duke. To heaven the praise, from this we have been 

The state is safe ! It now devolves on us, 

To name a fit successor to Maniri. 

Pray, Giordano, ere we sjieak, retire. 
Giord. Sire, I obey. [Exit Giordano. 

Duke. The worthiest in the land 

Should fill the office which the traitor held ; 

"We look arouTid and undervalue none — 

But judgment, feeling, gratitude unite, 

To nominate the valiant Giordano. 

We are not bound to ask consent of any. 

Yet, like the Admiral, when in surging times 

The wind and sea attack his argosy. 

And danger thickens round, we condescend 

To seek, from our grave counsellors, adnce. 

Speak freely all ! — meets this your approbation ? 
Colon. It doth, my liege, their silence is approval. 
Cavil. Since by your royal favor we may speak. 

Pray think me neither rude nor overbold 
If I oppose. I will not lend my voice 

(Tlio' man is prone to love the brave in war) 



SCENE I.] GIORDANO. 127 

To lift a victor to so high a station : 
I fear the sway his office might insure 
Over the people's mind. Success in war 
Circles the hero in a blaze of light, 
Which dazzles men, and may in after years 
Bring grave disasters. 
DuTce. Whence this causeless fear ? 
Colon. There never was a timer, nobler man. 

Give him your voices, friends ; why sit ye mute ? 
Cavil. I think I weigh him justly, and confess, 
Ilis deeds may challenge liberal applause — 
For these I give him all becoming honor. 
AVhat is becoming ? Let your Grace decide ; 
But dress no soldier in our civic robes. 
Colon. Be not so very sparing of your j^raise. 
Dulce. Fear not, for history teaches us that, fame 
As great in council as in tented field, 
Hath brightly marked the warrior-statesman's course: 
And we have ample proof a people thrive 
Under his guide, in peace and thrift, content. 
Cavil. I grant it, Sire : but history too records, 
That heroes, by a grateful country prized 
(For man, carnivorous man, delights in blood), 
Have made, without a stepping-stone like this. 
Their martial deeds a claim to civic rule. 
And Avon it too : then anarchy hath drenched 
The frightened land in seas of native blood. 
Pause : the traditions of our city prove 



12b GIORDANO. [act II. 

The trutli aii<l force of my asseveration : 

I say wluit hath been once may be again. 

I speak not i)resent fear, but would avoid 

The barest possibility of fear. 
Colon. High sounding words for those who never think. 

But not for us. 
Dul'c. "Who will refuse due honor 

To him whose valor hath subdued the foe, 

And writ the brightest page upon our annals ? 
CavU. Grave counsellors, I charge you all, beware! 

Vest not such power in an ambitious man, 

A daring soldier, and the people's idol. 
Colon. He is a puller down — no builder up — 

His nature is to stand in opposition. 

God save the world were all men made like him ! 
Dul-r. Xo other voice ? Our motion is approved. 

Colon na, go — escort the General here. 

Exit COLONNA. 
Cttril. May heaven vouchsafe to falsify my fears. 
Duke. If he prove faithless, none on earth is true — 

If he strive not, in loyalty and wisdom, . 

To shed a lustre on our happy land, 

Then never patriot lived ! 

[Re-enter Colonna and Giordaxo. 

Our chief adviser — 

This henceforth be thy seat : make it a station 

Where virtue, vested in authority, 

Strives, Avith a single and unselfish aim. 



SCEXE I.] GIOKDAXO. 129 

To keep our people prosperous and liappj', 

Free from exactors and unequal laws. 
.Giord. If I might measure by my zeal, my skill 

To guide the realm, I should accept this office ; 

Or, if your royal judgment deems that zeal 

Alone may for ability suffice, 

I do accept. But if T know myself 

(For war hath been the study of my life) 

I am unfitted for affairs of state. 
DuTce. Thy graceful modesty commends our choice. 
Giord. Then, since your favor and the Senate's voice 

Enforce the office on me, I should prove 

Less loyal than I am, to doubt your wisdom. 

I Avill assume the burden, with this promise — 

If in the field I can defend my country. 

Better than I can serve her in the state, 

I shall resign the blandishments of home 

And beard the foe. 
Duke. Never provoke a war ; 

That is our rule : yet we, for right and honor 

Will hazard much — be this thy constant aim. 

[Enter an Usher ; lie delivers a letter to tlteBi-'KE, 
and retires. To Colonna, after readiufj it. 
Duke. Thy sister in the ante-chamber waits ; 

Invite her in. I tremble at the thought! 

Lest something comes more terrible than grief. 

\Exit C0L0X2>A. 

She would not else, in her o'erwhelming sorrow, 
6* 



130 GIORDANO. [act II. 

Seek tliis imusiuil place. How I have loved her I 
And Mhen I saw her beauty opening fair, 
In the first bloom and fragrance of its spring, 
I looked to find in her perfected growth 
My consolation in declining years ; 
And last of all — an angel by my couch. 
But, withered is the hope: alas, she smiles I 
Worse than affliction comes. 

[Re-enter Coloxna, leading Imelda. Bella 
and Maids following. The DfKE descends 
from 7iis throne to meet her. 

Duke. My child, my child ! [morrow. 

Tmcld. Thou didst not send to bid my health good- 

Duke. How could we trespass on thy hours of grief ? 

Imeld. My grief! A night of sweet, delightful dreams, 
Hath turned my sorrow to unbounded joy. 

Duke. A marvellous change. 

Imeld. I hardly know myself ; 

And wonder not that you look thus amazed. 
If you command, I will this skein unravel, 
And tune your feeling in accord with mine. 

Duke. Do, do ; for we are more than much amazed. 

Imeld. I shall not keep you waiting in suspense. 

[Exit. 

Giord. {Aside.) There is no frenzy in her look or speech. 

Duke. What saw'st without ? 

Colon. Nothing amiss. 

Giord. 'Tis stransro I 



SCENE I.] GIORDANO. 131 

Duhe. The tyrant's flatterer of old, ne'er felt 

An hour like this. 

[Re-enter Imelda a7id Coxradixe. 
Giorcl. (Aside.) Am I alive I 
Imeld. Behold the cause ! 
Duke. Is this reality ? 
Conrad. It is reality : and I appear 

In body corporal, strong in health and mind 

As thou, my Sire, or this astonished Senate ; 

Or, as the swart Egyptian, Avhen the sun 

From Sagittarius shines upon his land. 

And Tlieban winds salubriate the clime. 
BuTce. Thy hand : we grasp it to assure ourself, 

That sight doth not deceive the other senses — 

For legends tell that spectres have appeared 

In form as palpable. It is my son ! 
Giord. (Aside.) This is the mystery of last night revealed. 
Duke. Where are your voices ? this harvest home 

More precious is than seed-time e'er presaged. 
Giord. My reverend liege, I know not how to speak : 

I stand bewildered in excess of joy. 

But, welcome back ! May heaven preserve thee long 

To wear the laurels — thou hast nobly won. 

Keep me in thy esteem — there let me grow. 

I turn, fair maid, to wish thee haf>py days. 
Cav. Young warrior, welcome, heaven preserve thee long. 
Con. For this, your proof of love, I thank you, friends : 

And as, in after days, you yet may read 



132 GIORDANO. [act II. 

The unturned pages of my book of life, 
You shall not find a blot nor stain thereon, 
To change the love that greets my safe return. 

Duke. Why silent, Daughter ? 

Imeld. Sire, I cannot speak ; 

And yet, had I the power, I should request — 

Con. Say on, Imelda ; speak the unuttered thought. 

Imeld. Bid him relate his marvellous escape. 

Duhe. "We wait impatiently — proceed at once. 

Conrad. The battle won, I felt a strange desire 
To view the bleeding pictures on the field. 
And hear the soldiers' tales : with this intent 
I changed my dress for that my valet wore, [camp. 
(While he took mine,) and wandered through the 
An hour thereafter the report went round, 
That I was murdered, and my servant fled — 
On whom suspicion rested of the deed. 
Swift as the flash, imagination solved 
The mystery, not the motive of this murder ; 
A faitlifnl servant for his master fell. 
Unknown, in haste I donned a new attire, 
(Remember 'twas my first essay in arms) 
To hear what veterans might report of me, 
For truth is always spoken of the dead : 
But when I heard the General had despatched 
News of my death to Florence, I resolved 
To gladden her who might lament my fall : 
And, still disguised, last night I reached the palace. 



SCEXE I.] GIOKDAXO. 133 

Ask her why I remained so long concealed, 

And this the place selected to appear. 
Giord. Nothing is henceforth certain in this world ! 
Cavil. The dagger aimed against the guiltless breast, 

Sometimes recoils and strikes the guilty wretch. 
Duhe. An unseen arm hath foiled the assassin's aim. 
Colon. It is a wonderous tale. 
Conrad. {To Iinelda.) Isoi in my safety 

Prize I the wealth of life, but in thy love. 
Colon. I cannot speak the great content I feel, 

But, like my sister, will be mute. She stands 

With cheek as crimson as the Persian rose, 

And her blue eye is beaming with a tear, 

Like the sweet violet when bathed in dew. 
Luke. We pause to hear thee speak — in patience wait. 
Imeld. What should I say ? 
Conrad. Hast thou no boon to ask ? 
Imeld. Hast thou no boon to ask ? 
Conrad. Yes, I have one — 

But hope exultant falters to express it. 
Duhe. Let us compress your minds on ours, and take 

The true impression of the silent thought. 

And be the just interpreter of both. 
Conrad. I could not trust a wiser than my liege. 
Imeld. I could not trust a truer than my father. 
DuTce. Let all attend : here we bestow our child — 

A promise sealed by valor in the war — 

And they, with free consent, shall name the day 



134 GIORDANO. [act II. 

That laggiird time to lovers slowly brings. [us ; 

Xay, do not speak ; we know you would but thank 

Thanks are as worthless from ungrateful men, 

As vows deceives in professing break — 

(Deep feeling has few words, but feigning many) 

But, from the guileless, overflowing heart, 

They are too powerless to express the thought. 

Giord. {Aside.) Take now thy thanks, else live unthankcd 
forever. 

Conrad. silence, then, \)o thou my best thanks-giver, 
For I am poor in words. 

Oiord. Ilail, ha})py pair. 

Bright days to both and still increasing joy. 

Dul-e. It is enough : let the glad trumpet speak, 
Let dulcet sounds and joyous peals awake ! 
Illinnine every house, let mirth arouse. 
And mingle in the feast the dance and song : 
This day shall in the calendar be kept 
A festival, through all succeeding time. 
Thy liand : my lords, thus break we up the court. 

[Exeunt. 

Scene U.—GioRvx-SiVs Palace. Enter Giomw.so. 

Giord. Each step I tread is on a dangerous mine, 

Which may to-morrow burst with sulphurous lire. 
And overwhelm me in its lashing flame. 
Tis well I ventured not too far last night. 
My new-found honor might suggest a pause ; 



S< EN-E 11.] GIORDANO. 135 

It is too late, still onward I advance, 

To reach the summit of imperial sway. 

Xo time to lose ; invent a new device 

To sweep tliis hated rival from my path, 

And win my way to love and power. My friends ! 

[Enter Conradine and Colonna. 
I greet ye both ; but thou, above all name, 
Art dear, my friend, to every loyal heart. 

Conrad. This day brings me assurance of regard, 
From high and low beyond my merit far ; 
This joyous day shapes out my future fate, 
And I am happy. 

Giord. Thou art a bridegroom now ! 

Soon shall we have the revel and the feast. 
While sense-persuading music charms the ear : 
And we shall hail thee husband to a maid, 
The pride and pattern of her gentle sex. 

Conrad. My heart confesses her excelling worth. 
But I have come to thank thee for the place 
Assigned me in the field, that won me fame 
And a dear lady's hand. Could I do less 
And keep my own esteem ? Accept my thanks. 

Giord. Time, place, and circumstance, I grant, may give 
Fit opportunity, but the unworthy fail ; 
While men like thee, of lofty aspirations, 
Of thought and feeling deep and undefined, 
Which some call genius — do achieve renown. 

Conrad. Your courtesy outruns my thanks. 



13G (;i(>RDANO. [act 11. 

Colon. No more 1 

You surely will not keep a huly waiting — 
We stay too long. 

Conrad. My heart is there already. 

Dear friend, adieu. Believe me ever — grateful. 

[Exemit CoxiiADiNE and Colonna. 

Giord. He dies ! The wide world is too small for both. 
The place assigned him was for death, not fame — 
But every instrument plays out of tunc. 
Harsh and discordant to my Avell-seored theme. 
A thousand doubts are fretting in my mind. 
That almost bid me pause in my career. 
I have found one whom gold will not corrupt. 
The base-born keeper of Maniri's prison. 
What now ? 

[Enter Bella. 

Bella. Sir, whisper ! I have ventured hither 
To say, be firm ! 

Giord. Nothing shall daunt me more. 
Where is thy husband, Bella ? 

Bella. On the guard. 

Giord. And Cosmo, where is he ? 

Bella. He waits your summons. , 

Giord. Bring him this instant here. 

Bella. Thou wilt not chide. [E.cif Bella. 

Giord. Pshaw, foolish woman, wherefore should I chide ! 
Away — thus dark suspicion sleeps, and I shall reach 
The golden top, nor pause at trifles more. 



SCENE II.] GIORDAN'O. 137 

Despite the spleen of hated Cavilido, 
I am in power, and shall anon reward him. 
Time hath, in its mysterious round, a voice 
That strangely Avhispers of events to come, 
"Which I must silence by swift-winged success. 

[Re-enter Bella witJi Cosmo. 
Your late misfortune stirs my heart anew, 
To strike another and a surer blow. 

Cosmo. I never dreamed that for so vain a purpose. 
To hear, unknown, base soldiers speak his praise — 
He, with a servant, would have changed his dress. 

Giord. Thou didst thy utmost, and I blame thee not : 
The best may fail, but let them not despair. 
A great device is laboring in my brain : 
Be near at hand, I shall require your aid. 

Bella. What may it be ? 

Giord. Stay not to question : go ! 

[Exennt Bella cmd Cosmo. 
"What shall it be ! I know a cunning scribe, 
"Who imitates the character so well, 
None from the original could detect the false. 
A letter I will forge, as from his brother, 
(For in his presence I am paralyzed) 
To say the sudden illness of his father 
Demands his swift attendance. On the road, 
Cosmo shall find an unsuspecting victim. 
I will not live in fear ; no, in his life 
I stand rebuked ; but I shall brave the worst. 



138 OIORDAXO. [act II. 

Thougli fate, the champion of my evil star, 
Before the gaze of tlie astonished world, 
Defy me to the fight : no failing now : 
This, Conradine, shall be thy day of doom. 

[Exit 



GIOKDAXO. 139 



ACT III. 

Scene I. — A71 apartment in the Palace. Imelda risinr/ 
from her harp : Conradine seated 0)i an Ottoman. 

Co7irad. I prithee, rise not ; touch thy harp again : 
"When thou awak'st such language from its strings, 
A new delight inspires my loftiest thought 
With holy musing; and a power divine 
Lifts me on angel wings to realms of bliss. 

Imeld. In speaking thus, it only is to praise me. 

Conrad. In speaking thus — thou art above my praise I 

Imeld. Ah, too much pains men take to flatter maids. 

Co7irad. If thou wilt sing not, then discourse of love. 

Imeld. Thou art a hero, let us speak of war. 

Conrad. Leave blood and battle to ambitious men, 
AVhile on love's altar, with a faith devout, 
I lay my heart, forgetting all but thee. 

Imeld. Oh tell me, wild enthusiast, what is love ? 

Conrad. A thought ecstatic which, in airy flight. 
Soars far above earth's dull realities ; 
And, in the heart that feels its blessed power, 
It lives supreme, in each pulsation rules, 
Till Ave are dreamers of celestial bliss. 



140 OlORDAXO. [a< T III. 

Sweet, ever-living love ! unci 0, as pure 
As wakening zephyrs or unopened flowets ! 
It is God's gift to prove he thinks of man, 
The golden link that binds us to Himself; 
Ilcaven's first and best, and never-ending joy I 

I meld. Almost thou dost persuade me to believe 
That thou hast felt its power. 

Conrad. Ilast felt I do feel — 

And, Imelda ! in such wild excess, 

Kone but thyself could wake. But, name the day. 

Imeld. What day ? 

Conrad. The hallowed day that joins our hands in one. 

Imeld. I do not know — Pray give me time to think. 

Conrad. Next week? 

Imeld. Next year, perhaps : no need of haste. 

Conrad. My dear Imelda, we lose precious hours. 

Inichl. most importunate, impatient man I 

The humblest maid asks time for needful task. 
To meet her bridegroom in the best attire : 
Then why not I ? My wants are larger far : 
Besides, our state, which vulgar liaste eschews, 
Must slowly move with solemn pomp and show. 

Conrad. In the delicious dream of that blest hour, 
I've spent long days, and never-ending nights. 
And counted moments, longer for the counting — 
I prattle fondly in excess of love. 

[Enter Bella icith a letter. 
"Whv tliis intrusion ? 



SCENE I.] GIORDANO, 14:1 

Bella. Pardon me, my lord — 

This letter I am charged to give in haste. 
Conrad. It is my brother's character. 
Imeld. Dear lord, 

Thy color changes, and thy lip turns pale. 

Ill news ? 
Conrad. Leave us. {^Exit Bella. 

This is a chequered world ! — 

With much to gladden, yet, with more to grieve. 

My honored gire is suddenly attacked 

With mortal sickness, and draws near his end. 
Imeld. Sad news ! What says the letter ? 
Conrad. 'Tis his wish, 

(Which, herein, by my brother is expressed) 

That I be near him at his latest hour, 

To share his blessiug and help close his eyes. 
Imeld. Thou art his favorite son. 
Conrad. Would I were less — 

If that could lengthen out his honored life. 
Imeld. Be temperate in thy grief. 
Conrad. I am to blame ; 

For, rajit beyond compare, m winning thee. 

To him my duty failed to contradict 

The tale of my decease. 
Imeld. No, no ! no blame. 
Conrad. If it hath reached him in the fearful time 

Of nature's struggle, as perchance it did — 



142 GIOllDAXO. [act III. 

[Enter the Duke. 
My roval father! may I thus address thee? 

I'like. lu this dispatch we learn the hapless tidings. 

Conrad. Cirant me permission to depart from Court; 
To kneel beside his couch, to hear his voice — 
My father's voice, ere it be hushed forever. 

Duke. Most natural thy request — go ; we consent 

Cvnrad. lie ne'er denied a wish : forgive this weakness. 

Duke. Let not thy fears anticipate the worst. 

Jnu'hI. Be more resigned. 

Ihike. He is a hale old man. 

Of tranquil mind, and constitution strong. 
Devoted to the culture of his fields, 
And to the invigorating chase — a life 
That strengthens nature to resist disease, 
And gives assurance he may long be spared. 

Jincht. O think not what may chance, already come. 

Conrad. If words of love or wisdom could avail. 
To calm the mind or ward affliction off, 
I might be happier. 

hneld. But, they should console. 

Duke. A guard of safety in the palace court 
Awaits your going; and, at our command. 
Your friend, the brave Lorenzo, leads the escort : 
Now, go at once : stay not for fond adieus. 

Conrad. I thank your Grace. My love, I turn to thee : 
A sad foreboding weighs ujwn my heart. 
That we must part so soon. Farewell. 



i 



SCEXE II.] GIOKDAXO. l-lo 

Iineld. Farewell. [Exeimt Duke and Conradixe. 

! may liis presence at the sick-bed prove 

A healing balm; or if too late, heaven grant 

The filial wish so natural to his heart. 
{Enter Bella. 

Is he gone ? 
BeUa. Yes, his horse already saddled, 

Neighing and prancing at the gate, I saw. 

As if impatient for his master's coining; 

He mounted nimbly, spurred his gallant steed; 

And, like a ship impelled by quartering winds 

And swelling sails, he fleetly steered his course. 
Imeld. 0, guide him, heaven, to better than he fears! 
Bella. Do not despond; for, in imagination. 

Aloft on the top-gallant, I survey 

The wide horizon, and around I see 

Smooth seas and cloudless skies. 
Imeld. Angels of mercy ! 

Crush him not down in sorrow to the dust, 

But bring him safely back, in smiles, not tears. 

\_Exeunt. 

Scene II. An apartment in Giordano's Palace. 
{Enter JSTehi and Bella. 

Xeri. And is this so ? 

Bella. Even as I have told. 

N'eri. firm, irresolute; timid, brave! 



144 GIORDANO. [a< T III. 

(-> iiui:«s of contradictions I I nnist cliange liini. 
Else wore it better I l)ccrtme a monk, 
Or turned confessor to some silly girl. 

Bella. How wide the contrast is betwixt you twain I 

Xeri. He lacks not counige, nor the thirst of power ; 
(Else had I not enticed him to my ends) 
But right stands foremost in his path, the effect 
Of early lessons, and opposes action : 
"While some vain tenderness — a foolish passion — 
Wars 'gainst success. But if a resolute will 
Have power to shape men's purposes, and teach 
A simple virtue to befriend itself, 
I soon shall change him, wife. 

Billa. Never too soon ; 

Wliat will become of us ? 

Xcri. DisiK'l vain fear — 

Thy husband and thyself shall yet be rich 
And mighty in the land— but, sweeter far, 
Tvovenge shall then be mine. He comes — away. 

[Exit Bella. 
1 will retire and overhear his musing. [He retires. 
[Enter Giordano. 

Giortt. Since he is gone I breathe in hope again. 
The hag's prediction lingers in mine ear. 
And seems to whisper that success is sure. 
Censorious Cavilid^> meets his doom, 
And the loquacious, monilizing Duke 
5>hall follow soon. Colonna ? He shall live — 



SCEME II.] GIORDANO. 14") 

He is a sanguine, rash and credulous fool ; 

I will content him when I wun the crown. 

Let Xeri fret — he shall not die. ITa, sir ! 
Xeri. {advancing.) AVhy this surprise ? AYhy seek you 
to avoid me ? 

Why cover up your breast, as 'twere to hide 

The thought that now fled back into your soul ? 

Your eyes are inward turned, lest they reflect 

The secret of the heart. 
Giorcl. You question rudely. 
N'eri. Excuse my free, perhaps unmannered, speech ; 

But in a cause like ours, I must be plain. 

Why this emotion ? Wherefore doth the blood 

Now seek and then forsake your cheeks? AVitli fear ! 
Giord. With indignation, sir ! but for our cause 

Your saucy manners freely I forgive. 
Neri. And keep unchanged the color of your face I 
Giord. Go, bid the hurricane abate its wrath, 

The angry ocean smooth his rugged brow : 

If they obey, I will control my blood, 

Tho' torrent-like it rushes through my veins. 

But no — for like the untamed wind and sea. 

The blood, in our despite, holds sovereign sw^ay. 
Neri. Is this philosophy ? Your erudition ? 
Giord. It is confessed by scientific sages. 
Neri. I hate all sciences and sages too ; 

Why should our great resolves commune with either ? 

Despise them all — all who confuse their brain 



140 GIOUl»ANO. [act III. 

To classify tlie reptiles of the land, 

Or waste a life to anatomize a fly. 
(rionl. Amazed I stand, and pause almost in doubt, 

Whether to listen or to clutch your throat. 
-A>n". Come, plant your foot here, where I settle mine ; 

Let the earth groan beneath a heart as l)old — 

Which neither flood nor fire, the envenomed bowl, 

Xor midnight jKiniard ever yet appalled — 

And two days hence you rule sole lortl of Florence ; 

But in this mood, we certainly shall fail. 
Giord. We must not fail. 
Xeri. Assuredly we shall , 

And in your fall, myself, and some brave men. 

Our truest friends, must die uixm the wheel. 
(h'onl. Do you upbraid ? 
^V<7/". Who shall escape our swords ? 
friorih Xone — yes, only one — 
Xen. Who? 

Gionl. My friend Colonna. 
Xeri. Swift as the darts the fabled archer shot. 

Which, as they flew, took fire, that fool shall die. 
GionL Well, I consent — he with his race shall jx'rish. 
Xen'. Such acquiescence I have heanl before, 

But not jierformance found to match the promise ; 

And jvirdon, if I give it little faith. 
Giortl. Give me to do what living man may do : 

I will disprove your taunts. 
Xeri. Still I am silent. 



SCEXE II. J GIORDAXO. 1-ii 

Giord. Beware, or rue the vengeance you 2"»roToke. 
Neri. Am I a child to startle at a shadow ? 

Are you mad ? What would you ? 
Giord. Propose a deed 

More damnable than ever you conceived — 

More soul-accursing than the demons know, 

And I will do it. 
Neri. "Where is Conradine ? 

Giord. t\^rithing in hell : the devil sent him back — 
Neri. That I have heard, and read the silly scrawl — 

What fiend provoked you to this weak device ? 
Giord. l^eware ; I will not, Sir, be catechised — 

Nor bear this insolence. 
Neri. You speak in anger. 

GiA-e me a sober answer or you lose me. 
Giord. It either was, or my racked brain conceived, 

That in his presence nothing could succeed ; 

If in my fury I had killed him here. 

It might have roused suspicion from her den, 

Where now she sits in mute and sullen state. 
Neri. You should have left the manner of his death 

To my discretion. 
Giord. Aye, to fail again ! 

There, I predict, he never will arrive. 

Cosmo is gone, instructed, and momently 

I look for his return. 
Neri. Even as you speak, 

Swift as an evil thought, 1)ehold, he comes ! 



148 GIORDANO. [act III. 

[Filter Cosiro. 
Giord. Speak, is he dead ? 
Cosmo. My lord ! he has escaped. 
Giord. Detested caitiff — die ; and yet, too poor 

For me to kill. 
Neri. Good heaven, have mercy on us ! 
Giord. The vilest slave beneath the tropic sun. 

Is not so base as thou art. 
Neri. ( WJio retires loith Cosmo.) How is this ? 
Giord. Farewell, ambition of the lofty aim 

And marvellous daring, that beguiled me on ! 

Could I recall my pristine peace of mind, 

With feeling pure and conscience undefiled, 

Contented I would labor in the fields, 

And never aim above the toiler's lot. 

Study the history of earth's greatest men ; 

Their happiness sums up of smaller count 

Than the poor herdsmen's on their pasture land. 

Proud man, with all his godlike attributes. 

Must sliare, like beasts that browse, the common fate. 

The instant dead, he and the first who died 

Are peers, and know what mortal never knew. 
Xeri {to Cosmo apart. ) And is this sure ? 
Cosmo. Certain. 
Neri. Then let him rail. 

He is inconstant as a dream, or woman. 

Some men have reached the pinnacle of fame, 

For which, to a dependent or a valet. 



SCEXE II.] GIORDAXO. 149 

They are indebted rather than their wit ; 

But that the admiring world Avould not believe, 

"Who little know the in-doors of the great. 
Giord. And what avail his petty hopes and fears, 

His brief authority and baseless pride ? 

A few years pass — then, where are the renowned ? 

Go ask the living, few will make reply ; 

Ask the dank charnel — all is silent there — 

The world hath spared him and regrets it not ! 

The mausoleum proud and towering pile, 

Crumble to dust ; yea, all memorials perish, [dove, 
Xeri {to Cosmo.) The fit will pass. Now timid as a 



Soon will he, eagle-like, defy the 



sun 



Go, hasten to your friends — we meet anon. 

{Exit Cosmo : Neri advances. 

This is unmanly musing for a soldier. 
Giord. A wreck upon the quicksands of despair. 
Xeri. Your self-possession — nothing else is wrecked. 

"Wliere is your courage ? 
Giord. Drowned. 
Xeri. Then drown yourself 

In the first ditch, as we blind puppies do. 
Giord. Know you to whom you speak ? 
Xeri. I do not — Xo ! 

I took you for a man, a brave one too, 

But this ridiculous fear belies your fame, [Going] 

And makes me almost laugh — at once, farewell. 
Giord. I prithee stay ; leave me not thus in anger. 



150 



GIOr.DAXO. [act III. 



You know that ou a single die I risked 
My reputation, yea, the brilHant past, 
The golden future : I have lost the stake, 
And headlong I must fall deep-down the abyss, 
AVhere traitors ever fall. 

Xeri. Why, this is madness; 

The truly great sink never in despair, 
But when necessity environs them, 
They rise in gi-andeur equal to their needs, 
And conquer danger in despite of fate. 
Eouse, be a man ; audacity is pnidence : 
Be like yourself ! 

Giord. I never yet forsook you — 

But, for dark deeds men shudder to relate, 
I shielded you from justice. 

Xeri. I confess it : 

My heart was softer once than new fallen snow; 
But, trampled ou — it is as hard as ice. 

Giord. And I have borne what never man presumed 
To charge me with before. Do I lack courage ? 
AVas it by lack of courage that I forced 
Our haughty foeman to solicit peace ? 
"Was it by lack of courage that I am 
First in the court as I was in the camp ? 

Xcri. I know you well ; conscience rebukes your valor; 
And your great qualities are swallowed up 
In the vile stagnant jwol that good men call 
By various names, but all summed up iu one — 



SCEXE II,] GIORDANO. 151 

Bcfrgarlj honesty— the tyrants' cheat — 
Invented to crush down deserving men, 
And keep tliemselves in power. Eouse, boklly win 
The bright renown tliat waits on dauntless deeds. 
Giorcl I never would have ventured in this cause, 
But for your counsel. 

Neri. There, I pride myself ! 

Urged by a foolish, an unselfish love 
Which meets a poor reward. 

Giord. Like an ill-fate, 

^ly friend has proved the ruin of my life. 

Xeri. No more of this — be bold and wear a crown. 

Giord. Ha ! Say you so ? 

Neri. I pledge my soul upon it. 

Giord. I gain new hope. 

Neri, Then gain new daring, too, 
And live supreme in Florence. 

Giord. Is he gone ? 

Neri. Cosmo,, my friend ? Yes, to the' Sibyl's Cave. 

Giord. I lost my wits and foiled to question him. 

Neri. Well, I did not. 

Giord. What said he ? But, no matter. [grove 

Neri. Some few miles hence the road winds through a 
Of spreading oaks, which cast a twilight round : 
There Cosmo made his well selected stand, 
And as your enemy approached, rushed out. 
Already he had seized the bridle rein — 
(Selecting him among the numerous train.) 



152 GIOEDAXO, [act 111. 

Just fit that instant, witli impetuous dash, 

A troop of fierce brigands attacked them both, 

And, in the conflict, Conradine escaped. 
Giord. Some devil aids him — he escaped again ! 
Keri. "Well, if he did, the sun still liglits the wyrhl. 
Giord. Life's whirlwind is o'er-spent andlam — nothing. 
N^eri. If this were told ! 
Giord. Mischance hath followed me 

Since the first hour I listened to your counsel. 
Neri. There are some men a shadow will appal, 

And you seem of them. Better seek tlie truth 

Than yield to groundless fear ? 
Giord. Tell me the worst. 
Neri. Brief was the fight, the brigands fled dismayed, 

And Cosmo with his troop returned unharmed ; 

"While quickly Conradine pursued his course, 

And all his train with breath and blood to follow. 

One, at the least, lay wounded on the ground. 

It may be days ere this affair is known — 

AVe need no more. But what if it were known ? 

Are we suspected ? 
Giord. Lighter grows my heart. 
Neri. Shake off this lethargy — improve the time : 

Let his escape add swiftness to our purpose. 
Giord. If this be so ! 
Neri. The Duke and Senate sleep. 

Believing that the fountain of their fear 

Is dried forever in Maniri's fate. 



SCENE II.] ■ GIORDANO. 153 

Giord. Hope brighter gleams. * 

Neri. Theirs, our security. 

Giord. I did not think the manliness I boast, 
Could so forget itself — I recognize 
My sad infirmity, and accept your censure. 

Neri. Let me embrace my friend. The Guard is true, 
The army eager to obey your word ; 
And citizens of note are ripe for action, 
"Whenever you will lead. 

Giord. Art sure of Cosmo ? 

When with a eecret many are intrusted, 

It is not safe : a look or gesture, seen 

By skilful eyes, more truly speaks than words. 

Xeri. That is ungenerous — shame I Come to his cave, 
Touch the true chord and every heart responds. 
Let bright-eyed fancy with invention join, 
And weave a tale to satisfy your doubts. 

Giord. A wise suggestion — but how bring it on ? 

Neri. Than the tradition of their cave, no theme 
More fit to wake a superstitious awe, 
And bind them to you. 

Giord. I am a man again ! 

Neri. In every enterprise he surely wins, 

"Who follows quickly up his first success : 
The fiilterer fails. Then never backward look. 
Lamenting in defeat the coward fear ! 
Perisli the thought ! No ! let us win the stake. 
Or die like men Avhose valor should liave Avon. 



154 GIORDANO. [act III. 

Giord. Me, me imbue with thy undaunted spirit, 
For now my heart is like the Caspian sea, 
Which, from a thousand streams its wave receives, 
And nothing disembogues. 

NerL 'Tis well — thy hand ! 

This earnest change hath won my admiration. 

No more about those scientific sages — 

Tho' they lay bare the strata of the earth. 

Or count the stars that light the Milky "Way — 

They are, at best, but speculative fools, 

As the next age will prove — or think it does. 

Giord. Mould me to your will. 

Neri. Our brave confederates 

Await our coming : not a moment lose. [Avard 

Giord. From this hour forth, I never shall look back- 
iS[or fear mishap : each nerve as strong as steel, 
Presses due onward towards imperial sw^ay. 

\^Exeunt. 



SCENE I.] GIORDAXO. 155 

ACT IV. 

Scene I. — The Sibyl's Cave. 
Cosmo and Conspiratoks assembled. 

Cosmo. Hark, hark ! I hear approaching steps. They 

Welcome to both. [come. 

Enter Giordano and Xeri. 
Giord. My friends, I greet you all. 

{To Cosmo.) Forget my passion ; I forgot myself. 

To such sad failing I am prone at times. 
Cosmo. No more, I pray. You condescend too far. 
Giord. 'Tis not alone by Neri I have learned 

Your brave resolves, but in each eye I see 

A virtue shining worthy my esteem. 
Neri. When men with courage and discretion Join, 

To claim their rights, to will is — to succeed. 
Giord. Zealous in freedom's cause, at my request, 

And near at hand, some citizens await : 

True men, devoted to a single aim. 

Shall we admit them ? 
Cosmo. Yes, if bold and true. 
Neri. I vouch for them. 
Cosmo. That certifies their worth. 

Invite them in. [Exit Neri. 



150 GIORDANO. [act IV. 

Giord. Sagacious men they are — 

Who make opinion for a class, and rule 
Potential in their sphere. Without their aid 
(For they can sway the masses at their will) 
Dangers might rise, which prudence should avoid. 
[Ee-euter Neri and severed Citizens. 

Cosmo. Welcome we give to all. 

Neri. The oppressed are brothers. 

Gioi'd. United with one feeling, we assemble 

To speak our wrongs and free thoughts interchange. 
But let me say — before we fall to business — 
This cave, where nature with unstudied hand 
Tumbles huge rock on rock, and spreads a roof 
Grand and sublime, was my retreat of old. 
Once, here alone, in contemplation rapt, 
I felt, though not afraid, a secret dread 
Lest visitant celestial might appear, 
* To teach me truths yet unrevealed to man, 
Or demon damned to lure me to destruction. 

Neri. In solitary moods strange fancies rise. 

Giord. Sudden, a voice resounded in my ear 

And filled the cave with inarticulate tones — 

But whether in the air, or from the rock. 

Or ground beneath, thought labored to divine. 

NeH. A Avaking dream. 

Cosmo. Else an enchanter's spell. 

Giord. Eeality ! And while entranced I stood, 
A blaze of noon-day light illumed the cave. 



SCENE I.] GIORDANO. 157 

And led me to its innermost recess, 

Where mortal step hud never left a trace , 

And on a pedestal of porphyrj' stood 

An antique vase, Avith priceless gems embossed ; 

Within it lay a scorched papyrus scroll — 

" Take it, and read,''^ commanded the Unseen : 

In reverence kneeling, mutely I obeyed. 

Smile not in doubt — and then I plainly read. 

Here once the famed Cuma^an Sibyl dwelt — 

Here, in this cave, she burned her precious books. 

And not at Eome before the haughty king. 

Time and the conflagration spared one leaf, 

(The treasures of the rest the Avorld has lost,) 

Yet it was Avrit before the Lifeless sea 

Had overwhelmed the cities of the Plain, 

Before the thought-defying Pyramids 

Uprose on Afric's sand — the gaze of time. 

Cosmo. Miraculous ! 

Neri. We stand on holy ground, 

I feel a hallowed spirit hovering nigh. 

Giord. Now, at the Sibyl's mandate we have come — 
If you have faith in this supernal omen. 
Hear me, else let us now shake hands and part. 

Neri. Speak her dread will — we wait in silent awe. 

Cosmo. Submissively we bow. 

Omnes. In faith and wonder. 

Giord. She first demands an oath — subscribed in blood. 

Mri. Propose the oath. 



lo8 GIORDANO. [act IV. 

Giord. Enter yon deep recess, 

A mystic power will guide your steps aright, 
She Avill instruct you there. Neri, lead on. 

[Cosmo, Neri, and the rest enter tlie recess. 
God of the credulous, thanks ! Ambition, thanks ! 
Men may, in after times, whate'er my fate, 
Marvel I ventured ; or, when I had reached 
The very topmost round a subject climbs, 
I stopped not in content, an altered man. 
Swept my confederates from the face of earth. 
And hid all proof against me in their graves. 
Hark, it is done ! 

[Re-enter Neri, Cosmo, and the rest. 

Ncri. {Presenting a va.^e.) Behold our purple blood. 
Which each has freely mingled in this vase ! 

(Uord. This proves you men of fearless, faithful hearts. 
By fate inspired ! Mark how the blood congeals ! 
AVho from this flood can separate his own ? 

Ncri. It is impossible. 

Cosmo. Past mortal power. 

Giord. Be this a proof we stand as one — united. 
Deem not I wander into fairy realm 
To win your hearts by artifice ideal — 
Xo. friends, but by the Invisible constrained, 
I ask the oath ; swear by this sacred vase 
To serve her truly ; by its contents swear, 
Never to rest till tyrants are o'erthrown 
And liberty secured. [All kneel. 



SCENE I.] GIORDANO. 259 

nines. "We swear, -we sweur ! 
Giord. Nor whisper word— on peril of your souls ! 
Omnes. We swear ! 
Giord. And heaven accepts the oath. 
Keri. Amen. 

Giord. If one prove false, tlie fate of him accursed, 
Who wanders still detested througli tlie world. 
Were rosy down to torments he shall suffer. 
Restore the chalice to its charmed place. 

[Neri takes the vase, and enters the recess; the 
tableau continues till he returns. 
Neri. As solemnly replaced, the chamber closed. 
Giord. Which living man shall open not again ! 

You need no prompter, yet with patience listen : 
Believe— it is the Sibyl speaks through me. 
Keri. We are attentive ; speak. 
Omnes. Obedient all. 

Giord. Not statesmen now, but politicians rule, 
Whose only aim is to enrich themselves 
At public cost ; and witli their ignorant tools 
(Who could not earn their bread by honest toil) 
Each office in the city they have filled, 
For power and plunder, not the general good. 
While we, down-trodden, labor, sweat, and groan 
To gratify their avarice and pride. 
These wongs have far foreseeing men predicted 
Would rouse in time the people to revolt. 
Keri. Already come— and we are ripe for action. 



160 GIORDANO. [act IV. 

Giord. "Were rulers jnst, our chartered rights secure, 
The laws enforced, and equal tax imposed, 
While trade and commerce unobstructed flow 
In natural channels, Ave should be content; 
And each pursue, in thrift, his separate calling : 
But when bra^e Tuscans, crushed by fouler crimes 
Than breath can utter, in their strength arise. 
They rise a Fate. 

Cosmo. Let our ojipressors die. 

Xcri. "VA'hile freemen share their palaces and lands. 

Giord. Shall we, as our proud Tuscan record proves. 
In arms the terror of surrounding States, 
In poesy the wonder of the age. 
In arts the admiration of the world, 
Be trampled on by this usurping brood ? 
Shall we ignobly crouch, and see this Duke — 
(Whose family but as yesterday was raised 
By the Germanic power and Papal guile 
To fill a guilty throne) with sceptred hand 
Enslave the people, abrogate their laws, 
And all they love with ribald scoff profane ? 
Or, shall we, patriot-like, demand redress, 
And take our answer only in their blood ? 

Cosmo. Too much have we endured. 

Omues. We shall be free ! 

Keri. If we are A*ictors not a tyrant lives ; 
But if we die, no tyi-ant need Ave fear. 

Giord. Our natural riffhts no more shall be infringed. 



SCENE I.] GIORDANO. 161 

Xor labor SAveat to glut a immpered throng. 

A frail court damsel at a single feast 

.Wastes food enough to feed the starving poor 

For a full month ; and reverend judges sit, 

Not to enforce the law, but serve the ends 

Of those who gave them place. Shall we endure it ? 

There is no house secure ; at dead of night 

AVe nniy be dragged to prison, and immured 

Till life ebbs out, yet none dare ask the cause. 

Should manhood bear these Avrongs ? 

Omnes. XeA'er, never ! 

Neri. Freedom to man is natural as his breath, 
As air from heaven or water from the spring. 

Cosmo. Better to die than live in servile chains. 

Giord. 0, could the men of olden days awake— 
From their sepulchral slumbers start to life. 
How would they gaze upon, our abject state ! 
Flood-like, their tears would overwhelm the city — 
Their curses rouse its very stones to vengeance. 

Neri. Thus speaks a patriot with an angel's voice. 

Giord. Pause not to think, or danger gathers round. 

Neri. Delay and danger are the nearest kin ; 
In action — success. Never backward look, 
Lamenting in defeat our nerveless arms ; 
But in anticipation forward glance, 
Nor doubt our strength and courage to succeed. 

Giord. The richest blood of Italy has drenched 
Our own loved land in freedom's holy cause — 



162 GIORDAXO. [act IV. 

The world applauds the valor of our sires, 
And, in each heart, their memory survives. 
We may out-rank them in a future age. 
If heaven should smile upon our bold emprize — 
And smile it will, if we, ourselves, are true. 

Neri. Let not a tyrant see the morrow's sun. 

Giord. Such men should only live in such a time 
To win renown. 

Neri. We are not like the cat 

Which by the fire purrs through the lazy hour, 
But, tiger-like, we spring upon our prey. 

Giord. The disaffected army lies encamped 
In Arno's vale, awaiting my command. 
Neri, the brave, has won the Ducal Guard, 
Fit proxies you of citizens enthralled. 
Lead them to join in our revolt to-night. 
Stunned by our sudden, unexpected rise. 
The Duke and Senate will for mercy plead. 
Or in their strongholds hide, to save their lives. 
But they shall die, that Florence may be free. 
And when the seas which threaten to engulph 
Our noble native ship, subside to calm. 
The people freely shall elect a pilot. 

Neri. Thou art the bravest Florentine alive. 

Cosmo. In thee alone we trust. 

Neri. Lead us and save us. 

Omoies. Hail, Giordano ! 

Neri. Duke of Florence, hail ! [All hieel. 



SCEXE I.] GIORDANO. 1 G3 

Giord. Ko more— I pray you, rise ; 'tis understood. 
And each according to his merit w ins 
Fortune and fame. Like the fierce tempest sweep/- 
Which gives no warning of its coming fury, 
But as affrighted sailors cry, " It storms,'' 
Tlie mountain billows drown their prayer for mercy 

Xeri. What shall our signal be, and when the time ? 

Giord. As sinks the sun behind the Apennines 

And twilight fades to darkness, with your Guard 
To the great square of Santa Croce march ; 
There, Cosmo, join him with your valiant friends. 
The army will secure the gates and bridges. 
The cavalry each point of vantage hold, 
That not a tyrant we have doomed escapes. 
To this devoted friend I have entrusted 
The order of assault, and to his skill 
I leave the disposition of our forces. 

Cosmo. Agreed. 

Giord. When Santa Eeparata tolls. 

My banner waves amid a blaze of torches; 
Then, fierce as hate, rush to the Pitti Palace ; 
Slay all within— but save the fair Imeldar— 
And touch not, nor destroy the works of art— 
Those treasures to posterity belong. 
Away, my friends ; I shall not rest nor sleep, 
Till Ave, as victors, liberty proclaim. 

\_Exeiint. 



1G4: GIORDANO, [act IV. 



Scene II. — An apartment in the Palace. 
Enter Imelda meeting Bella. 

Imeld. "Who is this -wounded man ? 

Bella. None seem to know, 

So much is he ^Yith blood and stabs disfigured. 
Some gentlemen returning from the chase 
Found him, a short league hence, upon the road, 
"With traces of a fearful conflict round. 

Imeld. Why hither brought ? 

Bella. Surmising by his dress, 

He is an oflBcer attached to court, 

"With diligent haste they brought him to the palace 

For skilful surgery to his frightful -wounds. 

Imeld. That was an act of Christian charity. 
"\^'hat says he for himself ? 

Bella. He scarcely breathes. 

Imeld. "What are the guesses? 

Bella. Many and various. 

Some think by brigands robbed ; a few believe 
He met his hurts in an affair of honor ; 
Others again suppose it accidental. 
Anxious, your royal father waits in hope 
He may revive, to learn how this befel. 

Imeld. Has he a thought it may concern the state ? 

Bella. 0, no, indeed ! a private grief — no more. 

Imeld. In signs remote love sees impending ill. 



SCEXE II.] GIORDANO. 165 

Bella. Dream not misliap lias touched Lord Conradiue ; 

Spare not a moment on such idle fear. 
Imelcl. Instinctively I dread, yet know not why. 
Bella. Murder or robbery is a common crime, 

Affecting only victims in the strife. 
Imeld. Ah I there you do not reason wisely, Bella — 

It touches many — go, bring me the truth. 
Bella. (Aside.) I am a wretch thus to repay her love. 

[Exit. 
Imeld. Why crowd these gloomy shadows o'er my heart 

With such an ominous lour ! If he had reached 

His fathers castle, or were safe returned, 

I should contented rest. Who is this man ? 
[Elite}- the Duke. 
Duhe. Lorenzo. 
Imeld. Mercy, heaven ! Who led the escort ! 

What does he say ? 
DuTce. He has not uttered Avord. 
Imeld. Defending his loved lord, Lorenzo fell! 

Was it in vain ? 
Dul-e. This may awake suspicion 

That Conradine met danger on his journey, 

But whether from a robber or a foe, 

Or what else chanced, in ignorance we live I 
Imeld. My fears are realized, and he is slain ! 
DuJce. Be tranquil, child. 
Imeld. Oh, father, I am calm ! 
Duk-e. Cling to the hope that Conradine escaped ; 



166 GIORDANO. [act IV. 

Small cause of fear have we, but much of hope : 
"Were others slain we should have heard of them. 
Beside Lorenzo's couch your brother watches, 
If sign or word gives but a glimpse of truth 
He will report. Meantime Ave have despatched 
A troop well mounted toward Fiesole, 
The road he took, charged to make diligent search, 
And if in time, to render needful aid ; 
Or, if too late for help, to learn the worst. 

Imeld. Why was I spared for agony like this ! 
[Enter Colonna. 

Colon. Safe, sister, safe ! 

Imeld. Tell, quickly tell me, who ? 

Colon. He only sjjoke that word, and then^expired. 

Imeld. God save his soul ! 

Duke. Amen ! And nothing else ? 

Colon. Not one word more ; but in his latest struggle 

■ He made a sign, which we construed to mean. 

That Conradine, unhurt, pursued his course. 

Imeld. To heaven be all the praise ! 

Duke. Again, amen! 

Imeld. Brother, pity. 

Colon. Be of good cheer, dear sister. 

These tidings, tho' uncertain, time will prove. 

Duke. With solemn pomp we shall entomb Lorenzo, 
To show how much we lose in losing him. 

Colon. A man of matchless bravery and worth. 

Duke. Daughter, retire — son, with thy sister go — 



SCEXE in.] GIOEDAXO. 16? 

Assuage her fears, convince her this cahimity 
Extends no farther than our scanty proof. 

[Exeunt Lmelda and Coloxna. 
Events befall that shake our faith in man, 
And strangely come at unexpected times. 
We thought the traitors were immured or dead : 
Some still must live — hut whom shall we suspect ? 
With instant speed I shall seek Giordano, 
By his advice and Neri's vigilance. 
We may arrest the assassins still at large. 
First, let me seek Maniri in his dungeon — 
Our mercy spared his life : if he repents, 
Or gentle words prevail— he may confess 
That some of his confederates have escaped. 
And this new crime the prelude to a greater. 
The mystery must be solved and justice done. 

[Exit. 

ScEXE III.— .4 Dungeon. 

Maxjei in chains. 

Man. Will after times believe this was my fate ; 

That I, who three score years had served the state, 
Would in a dungeon close a life of toil ? 
World, from my undeserved fortune, learn 
The ingratitude of man ! Perchance I stood 
Between the sun and some aspiring villain. 
Who, for my place, has charged me with designs 



168 GIORDANO. [act IV. 

That never tonched my thought. The door unbars— 

For what new doom is weary life prolonged? 
[Enter the Duke. 
DuJce. Canst look us in the face ? 
Man. Through the dim light 

That sickly lives within my prison-house, 

I gaze on thee : yea, were the brilliant sun 

Shedding his golden beams upon thy brow, 

I should not shun thine eye. 
Duhe. Is guilt so bold? 
Mail. I never Avronged thee — by these lioary liairs 

And by my name untainted till this liour ; 

Before the all-searchiiig eye of heaven, I swear, 

.1 never was disloyal to my country, 

Xor false to thee ; but look to my accuser. 
Dn^e. AVhat dost thou say ? Lay bare thy inmost thought. 
3£an. 'Tis ever yours — but deeds, not thoughts, convict. 
Diike. What dost suspect ? 
Man. IS'othing ; yet hear me, liege : 

Long have I watched him with a jealous eye, 

AVhicli he observed, hence I endured his Avrath ; 

Not open — secret. 
Dul-e. Tush ! suspicion merely. 

Think' st that aspersing him will prove thee guiltless ? 
Man. I shall say nothing farther of myself ; 

I am condemned, and silently submit. [him, 

Bake. (Aside) More and still more our heart inclines to 

Each look and word assures us he is wronged. 



SCENE III.] * GIORDANO. 169 

Man, But let me add — by liim I was accused. 

Duke. True, and he proved the crime. 

Man. By forgery. 

Duke. And living vritnesses. 

Man. All perjured men. 

0, reverend sire, not for myself I plead, 

But for the safety of thyself and throne — 

Villains are still abroad : look well to Neri, 

A bold, vindictive man. 
Duke. I have not come 

To hear the Captain of my Guard maligned, 

Nor disavowal of thy treason proved ; 

But simply to demand, why didst thou seek, 

A second time, the life of Conradine ? 
Man. Falsely accused. I never injured him, 

Never conspired to do him hurt or harm. 
Duke. Not in reality — thy hirelings failed. 
Man. Is he alive ! Angels of mercy keep him ! 

He, the best witness of my innocence. 

Will tell I loved him, fondly, as a son ; 

Where is he now ? 
Duke. That would we learn from thee. 
Man. From me ! 
Duke. Thou know'st he hardly had returned 

Till summoned home to see his father die ; 

And thither bound, he was in Arno's Vale 

By enemies assailed — but he escaped. 

Why didst again attempt his life ? 
8 



170 GIORDANO. [act IV. 

3Ian. Me, me ! 

I am as guiltless of the last assault, 

As I was of the first. 
DuTce. {Aside) This is not guilt ! 

Seuli^tor Divine, infallible thy works ! 

There, in each feature, sympathy is writ. [base ? 

{To him) If thou didst not, who could have been so 
Mail. Seen in one aspect, Giordano stands 

Sincere and loyal, yet, by Neri led, 

He for ambition, Neri for revenge, 

Are fit for deeds your highness would condemn. 
Duke. {Aside.) This wakes a slumbering fear. 

{To him.) My friend— 
Man. My liege ! 
Duke. To-day grave doubts have settled on our mind ; 

On one condition, therefore, we shall ope 

The dungeon gate. 
Mmi. I bless thee for that word ! — 

Name the condition ; gladly I accept. 
Duke. That thou before the Senate wilt appear, 

To prove, not plead, the injustice of thy doom : 

But fail — severer punishment is thine. 
3fan. Eemove my chains, wide open throw the door — 

Again confront me with my base accuser — 

The charge of treason I may fix on him, 

And, in your royal judgment, find acquittance. 

To live to see that day were life enough. 
Duke. Jailer, attend. 



SCENE IV.] GIOKDANO. 171 

[Enter a Jailer. 

Man. Thanks, reverend monarch, thanks ! 

Duke. Strike off his fetters : see ! the door is open. 

Jailer. (Half aside.) This makes me glad. 

Duke. Sirrah, didst speak ? 

Jailer. Dread liege, 

I muttered to myself, this makes me glad. 

Duke. Wherefore ? Hast feeling ? 

Jailer. Sire, I am a man. 

And by your gracious fiivor, I will speak 
To Giordano in your royal presence — 

Duke. Thy life is forfeit, if thy word be false. 

Ma?i. Hear him, I pray. 

Duke. A mystery to solve — 

Come, my old friend ; and jailer, follow us. 

[Exeicni. 
Scene IY.— Giordano's Palace. 
Enter GiORDAisro. 

Giord. How will to-morrow's sun dawn on the city, 
And how on me ! If I, in mental stature 
Stand tall enough to cope against their power, 
I am triumphant — else o'erwhclmcd in ruin : 
No man can measure greater than himself. 
My pulse beats lightly, and my proud soul feels 
Fit for the task that stamps me here Avith glory. 
And makes me famous through succeeding time. 
But Avho come hither ? Ha ! What doth this mean ? 



173 GIORDANO. [act IV. 

{^Enter the Duke and Maniki. 
Duhe. With voice unfaltering give direct reply — 

Believ'st him guilty ? 
Giord. Your Grace amazes me : 

Why hath the dungeon been unbarred ? Tliis act 

So far outruns the prudence of thy life, 

I know not how to answer. 
3fan. {To the Duke.) Mark him well. 
Duhe. Better to live in knowledge, good or ill, 

Than feel a danger pending o'er our head, 

Which tortures us with fear. 
Giord. Whence this suspicion ? 

Did ever I give cause ? Explain thy fears. 
Duke. Believ'st him guilty ? 
Giord. I do. 
3fan. Of treason ? 

Giord. On proof direct and clear thou wert convicted. 
Mati. As I shall answer at the Judgment-seat, 

By perjured witnesses I was condemned. 
Giord. Denying once 'tis virtue still to swear. 
Duke. The life of Conradine again attempted, 

By those our aged friend could not have bribed, 

Proves that a secret foe is still at large. 
Giord. And hath my dear friend been again assailed ? 
Duke. Assailed and safe. 
Giord. To heaven be all the praise ! 

The base accomplices of this bad man 

I soon shall bring to punishment condign. 



SCEXE IV.] GIORDAXO. 173 

Man. How in my cell could I conspire with traitors, 
' Or how, -without a ducat, could I bribe them ? 
Giord. The jailer, I suspect, a subtle knave, 
If not for present, for prospective gain, 
Hath secretly admitted to the prison 
Men, in whose death the world were richer far 
Thau in their lives — there the new crime was hatched. 
Send this old wretch (whose life was only spared 
In deference to his years) back to his dungeon ; 
The jailer shall confess upon the wheel. 
Dul-e. Let your first witness instantly appear. 
Jailer, come forth : jailer ! 

{Enter the Jailer. 
Giord. {Aside.) The craven knave ! 
DuTce. Before him, in our presence, speak the truth. 
Jailer. The night Maniri was shut up in prison 

He offered me a purse — 
Giord. Liar and slave. 
Jailer. Of gold, if— 

Giord. Reptile, in thy fiilsehood die. [Kills the Jailer. 
Duhe. Irreverent man, why didst this bloody deed? 
Giord. The perjured villain, silent at my feet, 

Deserves his fate ; such wretches should not live 
To charge their betters with mendacious spite. 
Man. Guilt fears the truth. 
Giord. Of what am I accused ? 
Man. Of treason to the State. 
Giord. By thee, old traitor ! 



174 GIORDANO. [act IV. 

DuJce. This deed inhuman, and disloyal tone, 

Dispel all doubt — I also do accuse. 
Giorcl. {Aside.) Give me one hour, and I am master here I 
Diilce. Ho there! within ! a guard ! 
Man. Tlie Ducal Guard ! 

\^Enter the Guard. 
Duke. Arrest liim — now ; .on your allegiance do it ! 
Giord. Stand back, I say ; his Highness is insane ; 

The jailer he has slain, that traitor freed, 

And now would murder me. 
Man. Where is tlie thunderer ! 
Giord. See he commit no injury on himself. 
Duke. Seize the false man — 'tis I, your liege^^ command. 
Giord. Approach me not : secure that hoary traitor, 

And answer for his safety with your lives. 

lExit. 
Biike. Disloyal knaves, obey. 
Man. Treason, treason ! 

yriie scene closes. 



SCEXE I.] GIORDANO. 175 



ACT V. 

ScEXE I.— The Guard Roo3r. 
Enter Giokdaxo, (uul Neri, opposite. 

Xeri. What means this liurned step and clouded brow ? 
Giord. No time to tell, nor give a reason why — 
Enough to say, I lost my self-control. 

And did a rash, an ill-considered deed, 

Unworthy of my fome. 
Neri. \yhat has befallen ? 
Giord. In brief, learn this— the Duke has freed JIaniri ; 

With him confronted, and by both accused. 

We stand in danger if we lose an hour. 
Neri. What ! has the bird of evil omen sung ? [it, 

Giord. I know not what they know, nor how they know 

But this I know, they stand in sudden dread 

Of near calamity. 
Neri. And with good cause. 
Giord. Their charge, a word— a sound indefinite, 

Wliich loudly rings a signal of alarm. 
Neri. Well, let it ring : too late to startle me. 
Giord. Suspicion travels fast : tliey will not rest— 

Their spies will search each corner of the city 

To calm else to confirm new- wakened fear. 



176 GIORDANO. [xlCT V. 

Xeri. Let them discover all : wc are prepared. 

Giord. Be not too confident : at any moment 
I may be forced to answer to the Senate. 

Neri. Fear yon arrest ? an idle phantom merely ; 

No power of theirs can touch you 'neath this roof — 
The guard obeys no mortal voice but mine. 

Giord. If we are beaten ere we strike a blow ! 

Keri. Banish the doubt : be resolute and bold ; 
Give not a thought to possible mischance. 

Giord. I argue not ; in courage and despatch 
Alone our safety lies. Muster your troop, 
Speed couriers to the camp — to Cosmo send : 
The sun has set, and danger chides delay. 

Neri. The army is already on the march, 

And in one hour will reach the city gates ; 
While Cosmo with the citizens await, 
Impatiently, the order to advance. 
Be wise, deliberate : here safe remain. 
While I go forth to learn from our patrols 
If they have seen unusual stir abroad. 
Or heard a whisper adverse to success ; 
And soon I will report. 

Giord. Bravest of men. 

Station in Santa Marie's Campanile 

Some of our trusty fellows; bid them strike 

The largest bell, if in the streets below 

They see our tyrants gathering to confront us. 

Neri. And when it peals? 



SCEXE I.] GIORDAXO. 177 

Giord. Rush to the general shiughter. 

Xeri. Like blood-hounds eager to devour their prey. 

Giord. My good and guardian sj^irit, to thy zeal 
With confidence I trust. 

Neri. To thee devoted. 

To-morrow's sun dawns on the brightest day 

That time has in its round of glory seen. \^Exit. 

Giord. Look down, Ambition, from thy lofty throne, 
Which overtops the highest Apennines — 
Benignly smile I By thee alone impelled, 
I risk the world to win imperial sway. 
Inspire my friends with courage, speed their march; 
Grant that they enter Florence unopposed, 
And win for me a crown. How looks the city ? 

[Approaches cm open loindow. 
Ye stars of beauty, ornaments of night, 
Ye shine on toilers w^io, from forge or field, 
To humble homes return, to meet the kiss 
Of pure affection from the loved ones there : 
On gorgeous palaces ye also shine, 
Where proud patricians in voluptuous ease 
Or godless riot, waste the live-long night. 
As dwellers on volcanic hills they live, 
In ignorant security, nor dream [feet. 

What, earthquake-like, is slumbering 'neath their 
Eeady to burst in lava stream and fire. 
How solemn is the calm ! Ah, many look 
For glad to-morrows they shall never see ; 



178 GIORDANO. [act V. 

Some will, bewildered, from their couches rush, 
They know uot Avhere, nor why : some, pale with fear. 
On bended knee will pray, in vain, for life. 
But when, ye stars, Aurora's golden beam 
Chases your brightness from yon concave blue, 
And gilds cathedral spire and palace tower — 
AVhat fate is mine ? Hark, hark ! the tramp of men, 
And murmurs, as from numerous voices, come 
Like ocean's breakers on a far off shore ; 
It is my brave associates on the march : 
But, if the Duke in arms and friends prove fiilse, 
I may be ruined. Ha ! the sounds recede, 
And stillness reigns again. Auspicious calm! 
Another day Avill crown me lord of Florence. 

[Exit. 

Scene II.— The Palace. 

Enter tlie Duke, Majstiri, Cavilido and Atten^dakts. 

Duke. It was an act of madness or of guilt. 

Cavil. My liege, it savors more of guilt than madness. 

Duhe. To kill the jailer^n our presence kill him — 

And chide us with disloyal words and false ! 

We never shall forget it, nor forgive. 

What motive prompted this atrocious deed ? 
Cavil. I am at fault, and fail to guess a motive : 

For cannot I to word or action point. 

Which gives a color to my vague surmise. 
Bulce. We fear not storms from an unclouded sky— 



SCEXE 11. ] GIORDANO. 



179 



But shadows sometimes flit across tlie braiu, 
Too thill to be defined ; yet they impress 
. An ominous feeling of impendent ill. 
Cavil. Though I have long mistrusted Giordano, 
And M^th a feeble voice opposed his rise ; 
Suspicion never ran so far as treason. 
Duke. Something in this more than I understand. 
Cavil. If loyal, sire, why conies he not to beg, 
Humbly, thy pardon for his grave offence ? 
Duhe. If he be false, who is an honest man ? 

Where are our sentinels ? None yet returned ? 
Cavil. Not yet : I charged them to patrol the streets— 
(But not to breathe we apprehend revolt) — 
To mark if loiterers discontented look, 
Or anywhere they see a murmuring crowd, 
To catch a whisper, yea, an idle word ; 
And specially to pry about the Guard-room ; 
If treason hatches, there the nest is- hid. 
Diike. His martial deeds had captivated all. 

And judgment slept. 
Cavil. The past is past redress. 

Duhe. {To Maniri.) The proof 'gainst thee was skilfully 
adduced, 
It conquered feeling and pronounced thy doom ; 
But the firm rock on which it seemed to stand, 
The waves of truth are undermining fast. 
Mail. Turn not reproachful glances on thyself; 
I censure none — not thee, my honored liege. 



180 GIORDANO. [act "V 

Cavil. Colonna comes, his liaste betokens news 
Of pleasant sort. 

[Enter Colonn^a. 

Didce. What hast discovered, son ? 

Colon. A feeling strange prevails throughout the city — 
Some meet in groups and earnestly co]iverse, 
Some whisper and start back, as if observed ; 
Many, for safety of their valuables, 
With hurried step seek church and monastery : 
While others pale or redden as they gaze 
Upon the firmament, and watch the stars 
TAvinkling their fires as darkness thickens round. 
Old men appear as if distressed in thought, 
And, to mute questions, shake their head in doubt. 
Women address a prayer to heaven, and sigh. 
Then hug their infants closer to their breasts ; 
While children, seeing them, in ignorant fear. 
Cover their faces in their mothers' robes. 

Cavil. The fearful portent of a coming storm. 

Colon. The Palace Guard, with discontented look, 
Seems ready for revolt. I sought for Neri, 
That, by his aid, I might the surer move. 
But found him not, and none would speak of him. 

Duke. And Avhere is Giordano ? 

Colon. I know not, sire. 

Cavil. His absence is a fault — increasing doubt. 

Dulce. Search everywhere, he must be found — alive ! 
Disperse all idlers from the thoroughfares; 



SCENE II.] GIORDANO. 181 

If any answer Avitli uncivil phrase 

Or look in anger, drag him to the prison. 

[Exit COLOXNA. 

Man. Of those who bore false witness 'gainst my honor, 
Xot one so strongly testified as Neri — 
That, joined to present fear, inculpates him. 

Cavil A bold, bad man. 

Dake, Go, catechise his wife — 

If she confess not, give her to the rack ; 

Let torture force her guilty thoughts to words. 

[Exit Cavilido. 
( To Man iri.) Abide by me, in my protection safe. 
The world abounds with false, ungrateful men, 
Who benefits with injuries rejDay ; 
Yet will we not believe — till we have proof — 
That he, whom we placed nearest to ourself 
Has turned so soon disloyal. 0, hard to feel 
We are deceived by one so dearly trusted ! 
But on the proof, away all foolish love ; 
And though it rend our heart-strings to inflict, 
His punishment shall equal the offence. 
[Re-enter Colonsta a7id Cavilido. 

Colo7i. Treason, treason ! 

Cavil. Our danger is confirmed. 

Colon. And foul rebellion terrifies the realm. 

DuJce. Who are the traitors ? speak ! 

Cavil. She hath confessed. 

Dvl-e. She ? Who ? 



183 GIORDANO. [act V. 

Cavil. Bella. 

Duke. Stand we in present danger 

Cavil. Most imminent : and one, repenting, told 
That in the army disaffection spreads, 
And in the Palace Gnard — that turbulent men — 
In former years disturbers of the city — 
Combine with outlaws, who, on promised pillage,- 
Are armed to revolutionize the State. g 

Duhe. The world is mad ! 

Colon. Strike down the rebels, down ! 

Cavil. Amazing how they have matured their plans, 
And undiscovered, to this fearful head. 

Duhe. Too much in Giordano we confided ; 

-"Whate'er he did, we always thought well done. 
Preserve us, Heaven, and frustrate his designs I 

Cat)il. Here comes Imelda, to confirm ill news. 
[Enfe)' Imelda. 

Imeld. Oh, fearful time ! Oh, night of coming horror ! 
Oh, miserable me ! 

Duke. In brief, thy story. ' 

Imeld. In fear of torture Bella has confessed 
That, instigated by her husband, Neri, 
Thy favorite Giordano has conspired 
With disaflFected men to seize the Crown. 
Thy royal self and senators must die. 
With ancients of the land ; while I must live 
By lawless force to share his blood stained throne. 

Cavil. The monstrous traitor I 



SCENE II.] GIORDANO. ]83 

Man. I shudder at the thought. 

Tmeld. In jealons rage, twice Giordano sought 

, The life of Conradine. 
Duke. Deceived, deceived ! [justly charged 

Imeld. {To Maniri.) The crime with which thou wert un- 

Was the invention of that perjured man. 
Duke. Love, titles, and estates are all restored — 

Live henceforth in our heart. 
Man. (Kneelinr/.) Thanks, reverend monarch ! 

On my knees I thank thee. 
Duke. May heaven forgive us! 

So long a life unblemished, should have stood 

Against a thousand witnesses, till proved 

By open action or confession : rise. 
Cavil Let us not idle precious time away. 
Duke. Haste to the camp; in my name, mine, command 

The army march with instant speed to Florence. 

[Exit an Officer. 

Colonna, go — secure the Palace Guard ; 

Their captain, Neri, is a dangerous knave. 

Who sways men, as by magic, to his will. 

[&it COLOXXA. 

Spread the alarm; and charge the senators 
To arm their vassals — save themselves and us : 
And lead those loyal still, in our defence. 

[Fxii Cavilido. 
3fan. I am not 3'et too old : give me a sword. 
My hfe a toy if I preserve your Grace. 



184 GIOEDA^rO. [ACT.r. 

Duhe. By health and strength count age, and not by 
years. 
Go, much wronged friend, free pardon offer all 
Who instantly lay down their rebel arms. 

[^Exit Maxiri. 

Imeld. Oh, that Lord Conradine Avere safely back — 
The only one who can protect thee, father, 
[Loud huzzas ivitJiout. Enter an Officer. 

Duke. Whence those huzzas ? 

Officer. Lord Conradine returns. 

Duke. To heaven the praise ! 

[-Enter Cois^radixe. 

Conrad. My love! My honored liege ! 

Duke. Even at the moment, answering to her prayer — 
Welcome, my son and hero ! 

Imeld. Oh, my dear lord, 

Since thou art safe, there nothing is to fear. 

Conrad. It was a forgery most foul : my father 
Is hale and well : the tale of my decease 
Despatched my brother, Guilio, to the city — 
Attacked, I fought my way, escaped unhurt,^ 
And hither spurred : in great surprise we met — 
Tumultuous thoughts I could not comprehend 
Distracted me, and I return to find 
Worse than my worst imaginings confirmed. 

DuJce. Twice has a Providence preserved thy life. 
And, on the stroke of danger, brings thee back 
To save us all. 



SCENE III.] GIORDANO. 185 

[Enter CoLOJ!;:sA hurriedly: he embraces Coxradixe, 

then turns to the Duke. 
Colon. Wild uproar fills the city, 

And traitors rush to Santa Croce square: 
Your aged servant, with his silvery tongue, 
Achieves more wonders tluiii the keen-edged sword : 
Many already have, on promised pardon, * 
Laid down their arms, or joined in our defence. 
Duke. No time to lose when madmen are at large. 
Let softer thoughts yield to thy country's need, 
Think not of nuptials ; haste, my warrior ; go, 
Command our forces — never sheathe the sword 
Till thou hast crushed these rebels in the dust; 
And having saved thy country, cA-er live 
Esteemed and honored by a grateful sovereign. 
Imeld. Eisk not, dear Conradine, thy precious life — 

But save my father, and deserve my love. [love ; 
Conrad. For thee, my liege, and fame; for thee, and 
With heaven's kind aid, thy throne shall be pre- 
served. [Exetint CoxRADiNE and Coloxxa. 
DuTce. My blessing folloAvs both. 
Imeld. And mine; and mine ! 

[Exeunt Duke and liiELDA, 

ScEXE III. — Santa Croce Square. 
Enter Neri and Cosmo, with Citizexs and 

COXSPIRATORS. 

Neri. Halt here : await the signal, firmly stand ; 



18G GIORDANO. [act V. 

Soon will he lead to liberty and fame. 
Already come, like lion from the lair. 
[Enter Giordano. 

Giord. Our glorious enterprise is noised abroad, 
And willing slaves are armed to beat us down. 

Neri. Our answer flashes from each dauntless eye, 
And avery heart, with giant strength inspired, 
Thirsts for the tyrant's blood. 

Giord. Spread oceans vast — 

Be like a mighty river swollen to rage, 

Which spurns its banks, and, rushing o'er the plain 

"With force resistless, spreads destruction wide. 

Xeri. He is your liege; your homage, friends; kneel down. 

Onines. Live Giordano ! Duke of Florence, hail ! 

Giord. I thank you — rise : no time for idle honor, 
But prove your fealty with sturdy blows — 
A thousand friends, and near at hand, await 
The signal for attack. Now form the cross. 

[The soldiers disjMy their torches in the form of a cross: 
instantly the great hell sounds. 

Giord. The seed is sown — the harvest is our own. 

[Alarms — then enter opposite Con^radhste a«/Z Colonna, 
with troops : Cavalido and Maniri follotv. 

Conrad. Ye discontented rabble, who obey 

A lawless leader, yield : lay do^vn your arms. 
Colon. But, on your lives, shed not one drop of blood. 
Man. In the Duke's name free pardon I proclaim. 



SCENE IV.] GIORDANO. 187 

Gionl. "We fight for freedom, and your pardon seorii: 

These weapons are our only eloquence. 
\^A fight : exeunt Gfioi^DX'SO and his 2)cirty,2)ur sued hy 
the Ducal forces. 

Scene IV. — Another Street. 
' Enter Soldiers retreating. l^iBRi foUozvs. 

Keri. Desert the contest, in this panic turn ! 

What tho' the tide seems adverse, boldly stand ; 

Prove ye are men, and worthy to be free. 

But should ye crouch like slaves, or flee like cowards, 

I shall alone — ^alone — defy them still ; 

Yea, while this arm has strength to bear a weapon 

I will fight on, and never boAV the neck 

In suppliance low before this tyi'ant Duke, 

But conquer as a freeman should, or die. 

[Shouts without. 
Hark, hark ! those cheering shouts ! 

Omnes. Lead us ; we follow. 

Neri. Ah ! like yourselves. To victory, on. 

[Exeimt. 
[A ixiuse, then enter Giordano. 

Giord. Where is my evil genius ? Demon, come — 
Thee have I sought amid the doubtful strife, 
But not yet in despair. Grant that I meet 
My hated rival — grant no sword but mine 
Sheds his detested blood. Fellow, what now ? 
[Enter an Officer. • 

Officer, Lost, lost I our cause is lost. 



188 GIORDANO. [act V. 

Giord. Thou coward knave — 

Hence to thy comrades, lead them to the charge. 

[Exit Officek. 
Even in this extremity of ill 
I will not, scorpion-like, enact the fool, 
But boldly meet the issue I provoked. 
Cosmo, speak out. 

[Enter CosMO. 

Cosmo, No gleam of hope remains : 

The army, as it marched into the city, 

Harangued by loud-voiced favorers of the Duke, 

With promise large of honor and reward. 

Has turned against us. 
Giord. My main dej)endence gone ! 
Cosmo. The lion-hearted in a rally fell, 

Buried 'mong countless heaps of valiant friends. 
Giord. Of too much daring for a peaceful end. 
Ccstno. Others we counted on have fled in fear. 

Or beg, with grounded arms, their forfeit lives 
Giord. Only one wish — then do thy utmost, Fate — 

He shall not live to triumph o'er my fall. 
Cosmo. Thy single arm is powerless 'gainst a host : 

Some friends, with sure, swift-footed steeds, await 

To give thee escort hence. 
Giord. Bid me escape ! life by dishonor saved 

Is not worth what it costs. Think'st I will flee ? 

Never : this is my throne or sepulchre — 



SCEXE v.] GIOEDAXO. 189 

O'erpowered cind crushed I may be— but not con- 
quered. lExit Cosmo. 
The hag's prediction, like deceitful hope 
Has haunted me through life ; since I am lost, 
A glorious thought gleams 'mid this blank despair — 
Eush to the Palace, slay him in her presence ! 
Ye Powers of Darkness, grant this latest wish. 
Then plunge me into everlasting night. 

[Exit, 

Scene V. — The Palace Court. 
Enter the Duke, and Coxeadine o2Jposite. 

Conrad. We are victorious ; the affrighted city 

Runs red with rebel blood 
Dul-e. Is my son safe ? 
Conrad. He is, my liege. 
Duke. Have we lost many friends ? 
Conrad. A victory never was so cheaply won. 
Duke. Where is the traitor — where is Giordano ? 
Conrad. We do not find his corse among the slain. 
DuJce. If he escape our joy is incomplete. 

And Neri, where ? 
Conrad. He, by Colonna's sword. 

In single combat like a savage fell. 
Duke. Cast his polluted carcass to the dogs. 

The mightiest tumult known in modern times. 

Has, by thy matchless bravery, been quelled. 



190 GIORDAXO. [act V. 

Behold, the morning sun comes from the east 

To gild thy victory and adorn thy fame. 
[Enter cm Ofeicee. 
Officer. More prisoners are secured. 
Duke. Is he among them ? 
Officer. Sire, mean you Giordano ? He is not. 
Dulce. He must be found, — alive or dead. Away. 

{Exit Officer. 

And while I seek to calm Imelda's mind, 

Brave warrior, see we do not lose the fruits 

Of this great night. [Exit Duke. 

[Enter another Officer. 
Officer. More prisoners still, 

But none of note. 
Conrad. Proclaim a rich reward 

For the arch-traitor's head. [Exit Officer, 

[Enter Giordano 
Giord. Ha ! I am satisfied I 

I clove my way among a thousand foes. 
Conrad. Can face so foul as thine look up to heaven — 

Is not the air too pure for such a fiend ? 

Come, yield thee, traitor, to offended law. 
Giord. Dar'st use such ill-becoming phrase to me ? 

Thou art a man, but wert thou more than mortal, 

Thy hour is come, for I, myself, am here. 

[They fight: the Duke ajid Imelda appear on 
, the lalcomj of the Palace. 

Dulce. Hold, hold I 



/ 
/ 
/ 



SCENE v.] GIOKDANO. 191 

Imelda. Be Duke, be King, be anytliing. 

But oh, in mercy spare him ! 

[Swoons in the Duke's arms. 
Duke. Ring the ahirum I {Alarum bull sounds. 

[A j)ause in the fight. [knell tolls ! 

Giord. Thou shalt not "scape ; hark, hark, thy deatli- 
Conrad. That lovely one hath as an angel come 

To give assurance that the just shall conquer. 
Giord. Thy friends approach : Avhen I have shed his 
blood, 

Let the worst come, for I have lost the world. 
Tliey resume the fight : Giordano falls — then enter 

CoLONNA and Soldieks: and from the Palace the 

Duke, leading Imelda. 
Conrad. Behold the traitor. 
Imelda. My love, art thou alive ? 
Conrad. Alive, unhurt I 

Colon. Hark, how they shout ! [Shouts without. 

Imeld. But Bella hears them not, 

Her guilty hand hath paid the great account. 
[Enter Cavilido, Maniri, and Soldiers. 
Duke. To thee all honor for thy valiant deeds ; 

Treason is crushed and peace reigns in the laud. 

This thy reward — in mutual love, live long ! 
[Gives him Imelda's hand. 
Giord. Aye, live, live, live ; in endless torments live. 

May she prove faithless — barren be thy bed — 

Love turn to hate, and rapturous joy to pain. 



193 GIORDAXO. [act V. 

Perish tliy race, deep down iu suli)hurous fire 
The sport of fiends iu liell. 
Irncld. liorror, liorror I [sight ; 

Giord. My eyes grow dim — tlio world fades from my 
Ko breath to curse — still, still a sword to strike. — 

{Attempts to rise, hit falls powerless. 
Hold not my arm — away. Gods, what is this ! 

[Dies. 
Duhe. Lo, how ambition and audacious pride 
Have lost a noble bark ! Look wliere it lies, 
Driven by the waves of passion's stormy sea 
Upon the slioals of crime — a worthless wreck. 
[^llie curtain falls ^\ 



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